Most gun companies, when releasing a new handgun chambered in 9mm will also release another version of the pistol in .40 S&W because the guns are so similar in dimension that it is easy to produce both guns on the same production line with minimal tool adjustment. This proved true for Springfield Armory as well when the released their XDm-40 3.9 in .40 S&W at the same time as the 9mm version of the pistol.

As with its 9mm cousin, the XDm-40 3.8 is what many would consider to be a “Commander” sized XDm pistol. The term “Commander” gained popularity when Colt released a new 1911 pistol with a shortened barrel cut down from 5” to 4.25”. This was the only change to the gun, however, and the lower receiver of the gun carried the exact dimensions of the original.

This is the case with the XDm-40 3.8. The shorter, 3.8” barrel of this compact pistol was designed to make it easier carry the gun on a daily basis. The design has come under criticism though because the popularity of IWB holsters means that the length of the barrel is of little significance where concealment is concerned while the length of the grip is of utmost importance. Of course, the grip length on the Springfield Armory's 3.8” version of their XDm-40 pistol is exactly the same as the original thus calling into question the implied concealment benefits of the design.

Other criticism which has arisen is the assumption that the shorter barrel of the XDm-40 3.8 will result in significantly lower velocities as and devolved accuracy. Testing has shown, however, that the muzzle velocity of the commander-sized XDm is usually within 30 f.p.s. of the full-size version of the pistol and any discrepancy in velocity can usually be overcome by loading the gun with +P ammo such as that offered by Buffalo Bore Ammunition. Some shooters feel that the level of accuracy is diminished a bit and others say that if the gun is used as a carry gun for self-defense, any accuracy difference is negligible for the application. We'll leave it to the reviewers to chime in on this one more fully.

The XDm 3.8 was the first in the lineup to be offered with the “V” shaped (M)ajor Grasp front and rear slide serrations which many (but not all) feel is an improvement to the Rearward-Only slanting serrations on the original XDm. Springfield Armory offers this pistol in both black (M)elonite and Stainless Steel Bi-Tone finishes and the gun ships standard with 3-Dot, low-profile combat sights which can easily be upgraded to night-sights if you so choose.

Springfield Armory XDm-40 3.8 Compact Pistol

The gun comes with an integrated rail system, a loaded chamber indicator, a striker status indicator, and enhanced (M)ega-Lock grip texture. The highly-acclaimed combo trigger safety/grip safety is retained on this XD platform gun as well. The magazine capacity on the XDm-40 3.8 shrinks from 19 to 16 rounds but this is not bad considering the fact that the 4” standard XD-40 only carries 12 rounds in the standard magazine.

Reviews of the Springfield Armory Xdm-40 3.8 compact pistol can be found below. Please be sure to include only reviews of the .40 S&W version of the gun here as the 9mm XDm 3.8 has its own review set. Thanks in advance for sharing your insight into the value and quality of this gun.

Reviews

I’m a confirmed XD 45 ACP user. It is was my preferred weapon of choice. My best friend convinced me to try his new XDm 3.8 40 S&W at our local range. I was pleasantly pleased with it’s shooting ability. It was clean, concise, and a different recoil than I was used to with the 45. My shot group was off to the left with the first magazine, closer with the second, and dead on with the 16 rounds out of 16 in the kill zone, from the third. I was very impressed and told him so. It was a really nice to shoot. I got a surprise a week after Thanksgiving, my best friend said he had a early Christmas gift, and wanted me to open it. Some how he had go wind of a really good deal, and had bought me a brand new XDm 40 S&W, just like his! –( Now this is really a friend!!) How’s that for a surprise! I now carry it as my weapon of choice,
not just because he gave it to me, but I enjoy shooting it, and feel very comfortable in its ability, accuracy and protection. This is a hard pistol to beat, price, dependability, accuracy, and ease of use, not to mention well balanced.

I purchased the XDM 3.8 .40 three weeks ago. So far I have fired 500 rounds through it. No problems at all so far. I really like the way the gun shoots and handles. It is dead on accurate at any distance I have fired it at. I noticed that the Gun Review Spot did not mention the match grade barrel that comes standard with this pistol or all the extra accessories and top notch pistol case. The trigger pull is smooth and crisp. The recoil is nominal. I recommend this pistol to anyone.

I recently purchased the XDm 40 compact – This gun is so much fun to shoot – extrmemely accurate – no misfires (ran about 600 rounds thru)- ergonomics are perfect, great balance. With the 16rnd clip the gun feels better to hold and shoot than my Glock 19 EXO (this is the only gun i have to compare it to), I like the slide mechanism/slide lock on the glock a little more – trigger feels better on the XDm, clip release easier on XDm, Glock is easier to break down for cleaning, XDm feels more accurate – also, even though its 9mm vs. 40cal both have a similar bite on recoil, very manageable on tap tap shots. – the 11 round/compact clip knocks about inch and a half off the grip length – this gun is maybe a shade too bulky for concealment for my taste, but you can definitely make it work. Looks of the gun are second to none.

I purchased my compact 3.8 compact 40 cal. a couple of months ago i shot over 600 rounds with no malfunction at all ,the gun is really acurate and very easy to clean so far is one of the best gun i own ,i like the case with the holster and other accesories ,im very happy with this weapon and irecommended to anybody looking for a personal protection weapon cause is really easy to conceal.

I purchased the xdm 40s&w sub compact. I feel this pistol is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. the second I got it, I put a 100 rounds through it. not one problem. very well concealed weapon with the smaller clip, the larger on the other hand little bit tougher to conceal with the 16 round clip. this weapon has a lot of fire power, little recoil, and had very accurate grouping. plus all the goodies it came with made it a no brainer, of course the 16 round clip, the 11 round clip, the holster, clip loader, extra grip sets, case, gun lock, and barrel cleaner. comes with lifetime manufacturer warranty all in all, I would say if u don’t own a Springfield definitely check out the xdm series.

Two weeks ago, I purchased one of these to take the place of my Glock 36. When it came in, I was extremely excited to get it. I however, was not shooting as accurately as with my Glock, Rugers SA, and the rest of my collection. Was and am happy with the reliability, size and the extend magazine that came with it as well as the magazine holder, the holster and the other accessories included int the package. The second time I took it out to shoot, I confidently told my wife, “Here, I want you to try this one.” She has an S&W SD-9 but her shooting was off that day. I NOW do not have an XDm-3.8 40S&W, she commandered it from me. She was shooting within a half an inch of center target and even placing the shots into the same hole as the previous shot. I am not upset that it NOW belongs to her, in fact I have never been prouder. WE are very happy with the XDm-3.8 .40 S&W. I had installed the III size backstrap and she has small hands and did that well while using it. We would highly recommend anyone to actually get one for themselves. I however, will not replace mine because of my lapse in accuracy with it. I may have to “try” an XD-40 before making the purchase or stay with the .45 Caliber.

I bought my XDm 3.8 40 S&W back in April and let me tell you it is the sweetest pistol I have even owned. I’ve put approximately 300 round through it so far and it hasn’t jammed once. This gun has been my primary carry weapon since the day I bought it. I would recommend this gun to anyone who wants a dependable conceal carry weapon that they can depend on.

I bought my XDM 3.8 compact .40 about a month ago and have shot around 100 rounds with it so far with no problems. I love this gun and am very pleased with its performance. My only “problem” with it is that the 16+1 mag has a small amount of wiggle in the magwell even with the custom extention sleeve on the magazine.

I’ve had my XDm for about 6 month or so. My front night sight went dim and I sent it to SAback and had the trigger done while they had the gun. I purchased the weapon for conceal/carry and its fine given the right holdster and its so much lighter than a 1911(which I love too!) Mine is accurate and eats all types of ammo. I’ve had probably 2-3 Ftf malfuntions in 500 plus rounds and none in the last couple hundred rounds. LOVE the 16 round clip no need to carry extra unless your in a war zone:)

I bought my XDM .40 3.8 compact yesterday.I’ve ran 150 rounds through it today no problems.Feels great in the hand.Very accurate.Recoil not bad.Great follow up shots due to short trigger reset.I highly recommend this pistol.

I bought the xdm 3.8 in. 40 cal. Lives up to & exceeds all expectations. I dont like the short grip pistols so i opted for one with full size grip & comes with 2 full size 16rnd mags. Concealment is a non issue being that i normally carry a full size 1911. Even the holster included is great very comfy all day & tension adjustable for that perfect balance of pistol retention & ease of draw. Shoots great, great trigger, accuracy exceeds anything needed for personal defense, & if i can shoot xring groups im sure its plenty accurate for shooting matches as well. Just an overall pleasure to shot & OWN! If your in the market for a new pistol do yourself a favor & check out the .40 cal xdm 3.8, u get all the quality of a match grade gun (which this is) at a very reasonable & competitive price. Not to mention all the other goodies that come with it.

I guess I’m rather late getting in getting into the XDM class of gun. I knew nothing about this pistol but bought the Springfield XDm 9 millimeter because has 19+1 bullet capacity because I believe that our “president” will make these high-capacity magazines probably illegal.
When I got down to the shooting range to try it out… I was AMASED at the accuracy and tight groupings that I was shooting with so little effort. It shot with so little recall and the accuracy was in the read about 85 to 90 % of the time. I could shoot it every day all day long, if ammunition wasn’t so expensive.
I had such a good experience with the XDm 9, that I decided to buy a 40 mm XDm Springfield as well, enjoying the 9 mm XDm that I purchased, with the same result. Still very little recoil. I installed some Tritium night sights on both and the 9MM Xdm is my choice for concealed carry, hands down.